This RB report provides a comprehensive ranking of the top 10 competitors and alternatives to Mulberry, the iconic British luxury lifestyle brand. Founded in 1971, Mulberry is synonymous with “Modern Heritage,” characterized by its Somerset roots, high quality leather craftsmanship, and timeless design language. This analysis identifies brands that offer a similar aesthetic, balancing traditional British/European craft with contemporary relevance, while also evaluating them through the lens of current consumer sentiment.
Our Ranking
To ensure a balanced and objective ranking, each brand was evaluated using a dual pillar scoring system. Each pillar contributes 50% to the final score.
1. Aesthetic Similarity (50%)
- Heritage & Provenance (15%): The strength of the brand’s story, its roots in craftsmanship, and its “Made in” authenticity.
- Design Language (20%): The use of timeless silhouettes, structured leather, minimal branding, and a “quiet luxury” appeal.
- Material & Craft (15%): The quality of leather used (e.g., full grain, vegetable tanned) and the perceived durability of the products.
2. Consumer Sentiment (50%)
- Brand Trust & Reputation (20%): Longevity, reliability, and the brand’s standing in the luxury market.
- Social & Trend Relevance (15%): Engagement on social platforms, celebrity/influencer endorsements, and “it bag” status.
- Value Perception (15%): The consumer’s view of quality relative to the price point (Value for Money).
Top 10 Ranking: Mulberry Competitors & Alternatives
| Rank | Brand | Aesthetic Score | Sentiment Score | Total Score | Key Strength |
| 1 | Aspinal of London | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9.0 | Direct British Heritage Rival |
| 2 | Strathberry | 8.5 | 9.2 | 8.85 | Exceptional Quality & Royal Appeal |
| 3 | Burberry | 9.8 | 7.8 | 8.8 | Ultimate British Luxury Icon |
| 4 | DeMellier | 8.0 | 8.8 | 8.4 | Modern Sustainability & Trend Status |
| 5 | Loewe | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.35 | Global Leather Craftsmanship Leader |
| 6 | Polène | 7.5 | 9.0 | 8.25 | Sculptural Design & Viral Sentiment |
| 7 | Coach (Heritage/1941) | 7.8 | 8.6 | 8.2 | High Value-to-Quality Ratio |
| 8 | Smythson | 9.0 | 7.2 | 8.1 | Timeless British Craft & Stationery Roots |
| 9 | Savette | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 | “Quiet Luxury” Purist Aesthetic |
| 10 | Tusting | 9.2 | 6.5 | 7.85 | Authentic “Made in England” Craft |
Brand Analysis
1. Aspinal of London
The aesthetic is almost a mirror to Mulberry’s heritage vibe, emphasizing classic English style, structured leather, and refined hardware, while sentiment is strongly positive, with very high consumer trust (4.0/5 on Trustpilot) and a reputation as the most direct alternative for shoppers who love the “Mulberry look” but want a slightly more accessible price point or broader color options.
2. Strathberry
Based in Edinburgh, Strathberry offers a cleaner, more modern take on British luxury, with an aesthetic defined by sleek lines and its signature bar closure that is instantly recognizable yet understated. It enjoys exceptional consumer sentiment, with a 4.1/5 rating on Trustpilot, and its association with members of the British Royal Family, including Meghan Markle and the Princess of Wales, has cemented its status as a “high class” yet attainable brand.
3. Burberry
The aesthetic represents the pinnacle of British heritage, with leather goods that still share the same DNA of “Modern Britishness,” even though price points have moved significantly higher than Mulberry’s. While the brand is globally iconic, some consumers feel that its recent pivot to ultra high luxury is alienating, which has led to a slightly lower sentiment score in the “Value for Money” category compared with more mid range alternatives.
4. DeMellier
Founded by Mireia Llusia-Lindh, this London based brand focuses on modern, sleek designs with a social conscience, highlighted by its “A Life Changing Bag” initiative. With high social relevance and strong celebrity backing from figures like Beyoncé and the Duchess of Sussex, it has become the go to choice for younger, more socially conscious luxury consumers.
5. Loewe
Though Spanish, the brand’s aesthetic aligns closely with Mulberry’s obsession with leather quality, pairing a craft first identity with more avant garde, sculptural designs that still appeal to Mulberry purists. Sentiment is extremely high among fashion insiders and quiet luxury enthusiasts, and the iconic Puzzle bag continues to be a benchmark for modern leather engineering.
6. Polène
A French brand that has mastered sculptural, minimalist leather goods, it may lack British heritage, but it perfectly captures the “timeless yet modern” aesthetic that many luxury shoppers seek. On the sentiment side, it has seen massive viral growth, and although there are occasional complaints about shipping times, overall product satisfaction remains incredibly high, making it a top alternative for the classic “Alexa” or “Bayswater” customer.
7. Coach (Heritage & 1941 Lines)
Under Stuart Vevers (formerly of Mulberry), Coach’s aesthetic has shifted decisively back into its 1941 heritage, with thick, high quality glovetanned leather bags that feel substantial and archival rather than purely logo driven. This design direction has fueled a massive resurgence in brand sentiment, with consumers increasingly viewing Coach as offering “luxury quality at contemporary prices,” positioning it as a formidable competitor in the accessible luxury handbag space.
8. Smythson
Holding three Royal Warrants, Smythson is the definition of British understated luxury, with leather that is often thinner and more refined in a cross grain finish compared to Mulberry’s heavier grains. The brand is highly respected but remains niche, appealing more to a traditional, older demographic than Mulberry’s broader audience.
9. Savette
A newcomer that focuses on creating the “perfect” leather bag, the brand leans into a minimalist, high end aesthetic with a strong emphasis on the geometry of its hardware. Sentiment is rapidly growing among the “If You Know, You Know” crowd, positioning it as the ultimate alternative for those who want the “quiet” in quiet luxury.
10. Tusting
A family run British tannery and brand, it is perhaps the most authentic alternative in the market, offering rugged, high quality leather goods made in its own English factory. While its social awareness remains relatively low, the label inspires extremely high loyalty among those who discover it, capturing the “Old Mulberry” feel of pure, unpretentious craft.
Conclusion
For consumers seeking the Mulberry aesthetic, Aspinal of London remains the most direct competitor. However, for those prioritizing consumer sentiment and modern relevance, Strathberry and Polène have emerged as the strongest alternatives in 2026. Brands like Savette and Metier (honorable mention) are capturing the ultra high end “quiet luxury” segment, while Coach continues to dominate the value driven luxury market.
